Background on the Situation
One of the favorite arguments from the official narrative to downplay Mexico’s lack of a strong response to Donald Trump’s trade tariffs is that these commercial penalties are not only applied to Mexico but “to the entire world.”
The government has sought solace in the idea that these trade sanctions affect everyone, allowing Mexico to accumulate damages in certain sectors without a swift reaction. However, the recent increase of tariffs on steel and aluminum (from 25% to 50%) should have prompted a more assertive response.
While there might be racial motivations behind Trump’s actions, he has pursued and secured a trade deal with the United Kingdom that no one else has managed during his second term. Trump exempted the British from additional tariffs due to their Economic Prosperity Deal, signed just a month prior.
Trump’s Trade Policies and Mexico’s Response
Despite Trump’s efforts to dismantle the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and force the signing of the USMCA, Mexico must now take a firm stance against tariff violations. The evidence shows that while other trade agreements are respected, Mexico is being unfairly targeted.
Key Actions and Recommendations
- President Sheinbaum: Attend the G7 meeting in Canada with Prime Minister Mark Carney and form a united front to defend the trilateral agreement.
- Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard: Seek exemptions in Washington and, if unsuccessful, announce compensatory tariffs on U.S. products with specific percentages.
- Reference Past Responses: Consult former Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo’s 2018 tariff list when Trump imposed steel and aluminum taxes during his first term.
- Targeted Tariffs: Implement tariffs on products like pork, cheese, and apples that can be offset by alternative foreign suppliers but still impact Republican voters.
- Initiate T-MEC Procedures: Begin procedures under the T-MEC framework, despite its complexity, to emphasize the trilateral agreement as the central aspect of commercial relations.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the official narrative regarding Trump’s tariffs? A: The narrative claims that these tariffs affect the entire world, not just Mexico.
- Q: Why should Mexico take a more assertive stance now? A: The increased tariffs on steel and aluminum warrant a stronger response, as evidence shows unfair targeting of Mexico.
- Q: What actions should Mexico’s leaders take? A: President Sheinbaum should collaborate with Canada, and Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard should seek exemptions or announce compensatory tariffs.
- Q: How can Mexico respond using past strategies? A: Consult former Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo’s 2018 tariff list for guidance.
- Q: Which products should Mexico target for tariffs? A: Products like pork, cheese, and apples that can be offset by alternative foreign suppliers but still impact Republican voters.
- Q: How should Mexico emphasize the trilateral agreement? A: Initiate procedures under the T-MEC framework to highlight its importance in commercial relations.
